I intend to break my AONE4 trip by buying a separate return ticket Tokyo-USA on AA. The inbound routing to the USA is set, however the return to Tokyo is not. From Tokyo I would go to Singapore with little delay as that is the intended destination for the Asian phase of my RTW. I also plan to overnight at the USA gateway before beginning the trans-pacific flight, which I hope to upgrade to business class from coach.

Option 1
WAS-DFW-NRT-HKG-SIN
Pro’s – earlier of 2 flights DFW-NRT arrives with ample time to connect to either CX flight to Hong Kong, both of which have first class.
Con’s – poorer selection of lounges, very late arrival into HKG, very long trans-pacific sector

Option 2
WAS-LAX-NRT-HKG-SIN
Pro’s – BA lounge at WAS, flagship lounge at LAX, shortest trans-pacific sector
Con’s – Short connection (1:20) at NRT to last CX flight to HKG, may need overnight at NRT instead of HKG making for a long travel day NRT-HKG-SIN (all regional business class)

To me, the biggest uncertainity is the short connection time for option 2. The LAX flight is the last to arrive at NRT which means it may have to wait for a gate to unload. Not what I would want to happen. If there is a check-in desk for connections without the need to clear customs and immigration, that would mitigate some of my concerns. For those who travel thru NRT often, which would you select, #1 or #2?

Thanks….

N.B. There are 2 tickets involved, a return NRT-WAS and my AONE each with its own PNR.